Question 1

How is care arranged?

Accepted Answer

Start with the online request form or an email. A care coordinator follows up within one business day for a free, no-obligation conversation, then visits or calls to review needs, safety, routines, and schedule. We propose a written non-medical care plan and a matched caregiver. Care begins once you approve both.

Question 2

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Greater Boston and Middlesex County, Massachusetts. If you're just outside that area, ask anyway — we'll tell you honestly whether we can staff it reliably rather than take a case we can't cover.

Question 3

How are caregivers vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every caregiver goes through an application and interview, reference checks, identity and eligibility verification, and CORI-compliant background screening consistent with Massachusetts hiring practice. Caregivers are covered under our liability insurance and bonding, receive orientation to each client's care plan, and are supervised by a care coordinator on an ongoing basis.

Question 4

Do you provide nursing or medical care?

Accepted Answer

No. Next Chapter is strictly a non-medical agency. We provide companionship, personal care, homemaking, medication reminders, transportation, respite, and community-living support. We do not provide nursing, wound care, injections, diagnoses, or medication administration. If a clinical need arises we say so and help the family connect with a physician or visiting nurse agency.

Question 5

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Care is billed hourly and is primarily private pay, invoiced on a regular schedule with hours itemized from caregiver time records. Some families use long-term care insurance or veterans' benefits and we can provide the documentation those payers ask for. Where a client's services are arranged through a program or agency contract, billing is handled directly with that program. Current rates are provided in writing during your consultation — we don't quote a price before we understand the hours and level of support involved.

Question 6

Is there a minimum number of hours?

Accepted Answer

Schedules are built around the household rather than a fixed package, and we'll be candid during the consultation about the minimum shift length we can staff dependably for your location and needs. Options range from a few weekly companionship visits to overnight and extended-hour coverage.

Question 7

Can a case manager or clinician refer a client?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept professional referrals from case managers, social workers, housing coordinators, discharge planners, and community-program staff, including supported-housing programs. Use the professional referral page so the intake routes to our coordinator with the details you already have — you don't need family paperwork to start the conversation.

Question 8

What is your experience with shared housing and community programs?

Accepted Answer

We support adults living in shared and supported housing settings and work alongside case managers and housing coordinators on daily-living routines, appointment support, and household stability. Our role stays non-medical and complements — never replaces — the clinical team already involved.

Question 9

What if we don't click with the caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Tell your coordinator. Matching is a judgment call and sometimes it's wrong. We'll rematch without drama or a difficult conversation about it — continuity matters, but only with the right person.

Question 10

Can we change or cancel the schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact your coordinator as far ahead as you can so we can adjust caregiver schedules fairly. Any notice expectations for changes or ending service are stated plainly in your service agreement before care begins.

Question 11

How do we know what happened during a visit?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers clock in and out and record a visit note for each shift. Your coordinator shares updates with the family contacts you designate, and raises anything concerning the same day.

Question 12

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Complete the request-care form or email nextchapter10628@gmail.com. A coordinator responds within one business day.

Straight answers about how our care works.

A consultation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.